IndiGo Flight Faces Security Scare at Pune Airport
An IndiGo aircraft operating from Delhi to Pune was subjected to an extensive security hold at Pune International Airport on Thursday evening, following an alleged bomb threat that was subsequently determined to be a false alarm. The incident, occurring just days before Republic Day, triggered a full-scale security protocol involving multiple agencies.
Flight Details and Timeline of Events
IndiGo Flight 6E 2608, which departed from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 7:20 PM instead of its scheduled 6:30 PM departure, landed in Pune at 9:24 PM, nearly an hour later than its original 8:40 PM arrival time. The aircraft carried over 100 passengers and was directed to Bay No. 3 upon arrival.
According to official sources, the security alert was initiated after a written note was discovered in one of the airport washrooms, claiming that a bomb was onboard the flight. With heightened security measures in place across all Indian airports ahead of Republic Day celebrations, authorities immediately activated standard operating procedures.
Coordinated Security Response and Investigation
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke provided a detailed account of the security operations. "Air Traffic Control communicated the bomb threat information to Apron Control shortly after the aircraft's arrival," Dhoke stated. "The aircraft was promptly moved to an isolation bay, and the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee was convened without delay."
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security, along with the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), conducted a comprehensive sweep of the aircraft. No suspicious items or adverse findings were detected during the meticulous security checks, confirming the threat as a hoax.
Official Statements and Protocol Adherence
IndiGo Airlines confirmed their cooperation with authorities in a formal statement: "Following the established protocol, we informed the relevant authorities immediately and are fully cooperating with them in following the standard operating procedures."
Dhoke emphasized that the situation was handled efficiently, noting that "the aircraft was cleared and released for normal operations after completion of all security procedures." The entire security operation lasted approximately one hour before the aircraft was permitted to resume normal operations.
Heightened Security Context
This incident occurs during a period of elevated security vigilance across Indian airports, particularly with Republic Day approaching. Security agencies have been operating at their highest alert levels, implementing stringent measures to ensure passenger safety and national security.
The prompt response and thorough investigation demonstrate the effectiveness of established security protocols at Indian airports, even when facing false threats that require significant resources and coordination among multiple security agencies.
